Nectarine tree named ‘NECTABINGO’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree denominated ‘NECTABINGO’ has fruits with high eating quality and very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, with a semi-sweet orange yellow flesh, without any pigmentation, and an attractive luminous and homogenous skin with a very high percentage of red blush on skin surface.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica var. nucipersica (L.) Batsch.

Variety denomination: ‘NECTABINGO’.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No. 2012/0740 filed on Apr. 2, 2012 (Apr. 2, 2012) which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree, Prunus persica var. nucipersica (L.) Batsch which has been given the variety denomination ‘NECTABINGO’. This new tree produces fruits with a long shelf life without alteration both on the tree after growth completion and after harvesting, very good eating quality, clingstone orange yellow flesh fruits for fresh market in mid-July in the Pyrénées-Orientales department (an administrative district), France. Contrast is made to ‘Bigtop’ yellow nectarine tree (non patented), and to its parents, ‘NECTAPRIMA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583) yellow nectarine tree and ‘NECTAGALA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,581) yellow nectarine tree, for reliable description. ‘NECTABINGO’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has very attractive fruits with very long shelf life without alteration both before and after harvesting.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The ‘NECTABINGO’ yellow nectarine tree originated from a cultivated area of the south of France, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, where it was tested.

This place is under a Mediterranean climate (a temperate area), on the Mediterranean coastline. Winters are gentle and summers warm and dry. The amount of days with temperatures below 7° Celsius can vary between 600 and 1200 hours per year. The place is sunny, with 2400 to 2800 hours of sunny days per year on average. The prevailing wind is called ‘Tramontane’: it dries the air, clears the sky from clouds, but its intensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruit quantity and/or quality. Marine moisture does not affect the place. Precipitations are irregular through the year and from one year to another. The amount of rainy days does not exceed 80 days per year, and are mostly found in Spring and Autumn. In May and October, very intense precipitations occasionally happen. Summer is dry with a few thunderstorms.

The ‘NECTABINGO’ variety resulted from a pollinated cross between the ‘NECTAGALA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,581) yellow nectarine tree, which was used as the seed parent, and the ‘NECTAPRIMA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583) yellow nectarine tree which was used as the pollen parent.

‘NECTABINGO’ was provisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, under number 03.8W.31NJ and was registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic on Nov. 27, 2011 under number 4049386 The ‘NECTABINGO’ variety was obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a “INRA GF677” rootstock trees. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of the standard rootstock trees set forth above on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France. More particularly, the plant was reproduced by grafting.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety ‘NECTABINGO’ yellow nectarine tree blooms at the end of February or during March near Elne in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. More particularly, it blooms between March 5^(th) and March 14^(th) generally together with ‘Bigtop’ yellow nectarine variety (non patented). The blooming period is considered semi-early to medium. However, it was observed that its early date of blooming seems to be highly dependant on climatic conditions.

The first fruit of ‘NECTABINGO’ ripens generally at the end of June or in July, approximately at the same time as the first fruit of ‘Bigtop’ yellow nectarine variety (non patented). More particularly, it usually ripens between June 25^(th) and July 16^(th). However, it was observed that its early date of maturity seems to be highly dependant on climatic conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph showing a branch of a tree of the new variety in its third leaf, in orchard, bearing fruits.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows four typical specimens of the fruit, one having been cut in half with the pit being left into the half for depicting fruit flesh and pit of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph which depicts the flower buds at different development stages, and the reverse and side view of the flower and the reproductive organs with petals removed, of the new variety.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph that shows a close view of typical fruits of the new variety ‘NECTABINGO’ at ripening time.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruits by ‘NECTABINGO’ is high, due to fruit very long shelf life without alteration after harvesting.

Trees are medium vigorous and large stature half-standing in a semi-flared to semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of flowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. The time of beginning of flowering is considered semi early to medium; flowering begins at the end of February or early in March. The type of flower is showy with medium to large petal size. Petals are pale pink. Leaf glands are present and reniform. The fruit flesh is yellow to orange generally without any pigmentation, although occasionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the color of the flesh may show a slight reddish pigmentation. The fruit skin is very thick, with a luminous and homogenous red purple blush on a red orange background. The stone is clingstone and his size is medium to large. Fruit taste is semi-sweet, very aromatic and with a high level of sugars.

Compared to ‘Bigtop’ (non patented) yellow nectarine tree, ‘NECTABINGO’ variety blooms approximately at the same time and ripens at the same time, as set forth above. However, the time to maturity of ‘NECTABINGO’ variety is shorter than the ‘Bigtop’ variety, and the maturity stage is reached more uniformly, within a span of 10 days for ‘NECTABINGO’ instead of three weeks usually for ‘Bigtop’ variety. ‘NECTABINGO’ fruits color is more complete and homogenous than ‘Bigtop’ fruits color. ‘NECTABINGO’ fruits are rounder, without lenticels and have a semi-sweet taste. Futhermore, the pistil cavity of the fruit of ‘NECTABINGO’ is not mucronate, that is to say it does not have a proeminence like a tip in the pistil cavity of the fruit. ‘NECTABINGO’ variety produces a higher quantity of both flowers and fruits than ‘Bigtop’ variety.

The new variety male parent, which is ‘NECTAPRIMA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583), produces yellow nectarines. ‘NECTAPRIMA’ comparatively ripens early in June, approximately one month earlier than the new variety, which ripens at the end of June or in July.

The new variety female parent, which is the ‘NECTAGALA’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,581) variety, produces yellow nectarines at the end of August, approximately 1 month and a half later than ‘NECTABINGO’ variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree, the following was observed on trees in their fourth growing season (third year of production) under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. All observations have been done on rootstock cultivars. Used rootstocks were “INRA GF677” trees. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart 2001 (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally. — Considered large. The tree size the first             year was approximately 250 cm. The tree was pruned during             each following dormant season to a height of approximately             250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 60 to             80 cm. The tree size from the second year (second and next             years) reached a final height of 310 to 330 cm including             current season shoots length. The tree size is consistently             reduces to 250 cm the next years.         -   Spread.—Approximately 100 cm with a cylindrical shape. The             whole orchard was oriented to a central leader organization,             with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1.0             meter in a same tree line. As a result, tree spread was             about 100 cm and the orchard contained 2500 trees by             hectare.         -   Vigor.—Considered medium vigorous.         -   Productivity.—Very Productive and regular, every year. Fruit             set is spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit             into the desired market sized fruit. The number of the fruit             set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions and             cultural practices employed during the bloom period, and is             therefore not distinctive of the present variety.         -   Bearer.—Very regular. The fruit distribution is considered             homogenous on mixed branches and spurs having more than 1             year. Thinning of 1 fruit out of 3 was necessary for the             tree valorisation. Thinning was necessary every year during             the years of observation.         -   Form.—The ‘NECTABINGO’ variety has naturally a semi-flared             to semi-upright shape.         -   Density.—Considered dense.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in             France. The variety appears to be hardy under the central             Pyrénées-Orientales department typical climatic conditions.             Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling             requirement comprised between 350 hours and 1200 hours             showed a good behaviour of the tree in all cases. No damages             were caused by ascertained temperatures as low as −12             degrees Celsius in winter. The tree was also very resistant             to frosty springtime weather. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 9.0 centimeters in diameter when             measured at a distance of approximately 30 centimeters above             the soil level.         -   Bark texture.—Considered smooth to rough, with lenticels.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present. The number of             lenticels reaches 4 or 5 lenticels per cm². The lenticels             range in size from approximately 4.0 millimeters to 6.0             millimeters in width, and from 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters in             height.         -   Lenticel color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey             color (RHS Grey 201 C), whereas the inside is considered             brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 A or RHS Greyed Orange 165 B).         -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color (RHS Grey             201 C) similar to the outside of lenticels color. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Mature branches and current season shoots are             considered medium for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.             The current season shoots have a diameter from 4.0 to 5.0             millimeters, and mature branches have a diameter from 30.0             to 40.0 millimeters.         -   Surface texture.—Average, wood which is several years old             has no furrowed appearance.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but             the crotch angles are generally between 70 degrees and 85             degrees from the horizontal axis. Sometimes the crotch             angles reach 110 degrees from the horizontal axis. This             particular characteristic is not considered distinctive of             the variety, however.         -   Current season shoots:         -   Internode length.—Generally between 18.0 and 28.0             millimeters.         -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199             A or RHS Grey Brown 199 A).         -   Current seasons shoots.—Color. — The color of new shoot tips             is considered a pale yellow-green (RHS Yellow Green 144 A             to B) on lower part of new shoot tips, whereas the upper             part is darker and colored in brown-purple to red purple             (RHS Greyed Orange 174 A to B). -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species. The ratio leaf             length/leaf width is 3.36.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 132.0 to 162.0 millimeters with             leaf petiole. The medium length is 145.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 38.0 to 50.0 millimeters. The             medium width is 43.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base shape.—Cuneate.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Short, pointed and acuminate.         -   Leaf color.—Upper leaf surface. — Dark Green (RHS Green 137             A). Lower surface. — A lighter green (RHS Green 137 C or RHS             Yellow Green 146A) than the upper leaf surface color.         -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous, this leaf texture refers             to the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf.         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color. — Light green, almost yellow (RHS Yellow             Green 150 C). The color may evolve with maturity.         -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.         -   Form of leaf margins.—Considered slightly dentate.         -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In             this last case, one leaf of normal size is found with one or             two smaller leaves (at least 50% smaller).         -   Leaf petioles.—Size. — Considered medium. Length. — About             9.0 to about 12.0 millimeters. Diameter. — About 1.5 to 2.0             millimeters.         -   Petioles color.—Upper petiole surface. — Light green (RHS             Yellow Green 144 A). Lower surface. — Light green (RHS             Yellow Green 145 A).         -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered medium. Their length is             about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters and their width is about 1.0             millimeter. Number. — Generally 2 glands per leaf. Type. —             Reniform. Color. — On young leaves, leaf glands color is             considered a light green (RHS Yellow Green 144 B to A). On             older leaves, leaf glands color turns to a dark brown (RHS             Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B). Margins. — Smooth and regular.         -   Leaf stipules.—Generally. — No leaf stipules were observed.             But as seen in the characteristic relative to the leaves             uniformity, it is possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or             3, with a normal-size leaf and smaller ones.         -   Leaf bud burst.—Medium. -   Flowers:     -   -   Flower buds.—Generally. — At pre-floral stage of             development, the floral buds are conic in form with a round             tip. Their form is evolving until blooming, with variables             dimensions. Just before blooming, floral buds are             approximately between 10.0 and 11.0 millimeters wide and             approximately 13.0 to 14.0 millimeters long. Color. — This             characteristic is dependent upon the proximity to bloom. At             pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of the flowers             buds, formed by the sepals, is of purple-brown color (RHS             Greyed Purple 183 A). The corolla, formed by the petals, is             generally of medium pink color (RHS Red Purple 65 A to B to             C). Petals color shows an evolution until the end of             flowering.         -   Hardiness.—The buds are considered hardy under typical             central Pyrénées-Orientales department climatic conditions.             No winter injury was noted during the last several years of             evaluation in the central Pyrénées-Orientales department,             with winter temperatures as low as −10 degrees Celsius in             January. The current variety has not been intentionally             subjected to drought or heat stress, but the variety showed             a very good resistance in orchard to temperatures up to 42             degrees Celsius with an average temperature between 28 and             30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks in summer.         -   Date of bloom.—The blooming time generally begins at the end             of February or early in March. The first bloom was observed             on Mar. 5, 2009.         -   Blooming time.—Considered medium-season in relative             comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in             the Pyrénées-Orientales department, France. The date of full             bloom is observed on March 10^(th), at the middle of the             blooming period. The date of bloom varies slightly with             climatic conditions and cultural practices. Thus the first             full bloom was observed on Mar. 5 until Mar. 14, 2009, Mar.             20 until Mar. 26, 2010, Feb. 24 until Mar. 6, 2011. The next             observed blooming time was from Mar. 14 until Mar. 23, 2012.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 10 days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered large. Flower diameter at full bloom             is approximately 31.0 to 33.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant, approximately between             45 and 50 flowers per meter, with a good distribution and a             high rate of fruit set.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per             node, occasionally 1.         -   Petal size.—Generally. — Considered medium to large.         -   Length.—Generally 18.12 millimeters (between 17.0 to 19.0             millimeters).         -   Width.—Generally 17.37 millimeters (between 16.0 to 19.0             millimeters).         -   Petal form.—Round-shaped.         -   Petal count.—Generally 5.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth, soft and glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Both surfaces of the petal are colored with a             pale Pink (RHS Red Purple 69 B to C) when young, becoming             slightly darker until the end of blooming.         -   Fragrance.—Sweet.         -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered to have a conic             form, with a slightly curved tip. Length. — Approximately             6.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 4.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally considered wrinkled and very wavy,             sinuate.         -   Petal apex.—Generally. — The petal apices are generally wide             dome-shaped and slightly dentate.         -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium to large and             having an average length of approximately 3.0 to 4.0             millimeters. Diameter. — Considered average, approximately             2.0 millimeters. Color. — Green (RHS Yellow Green 145 B).         -   Calyx.—Internal surface texture. — Smooth and glabrous.             Color. — The inner surface of the calyx is matt and             considered golden-orange (RHS Greyed Red 178 C to B). The             outer surface of the calyx is considered of purple-brown             (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A) color.         -   Sepals.—Number. — Generally five sepals. Surface texture. —             The outer surface has a short, fine pubescent texture. Size.             — Average. Length. — Approximately 5.0 to 6.0 millimeters.             Width. — Approximately 4.0 to 5.0 millimeters. Color. — Both             sides of sepals are colored with a matt Red (RHS Greyed             Purple 183 A or B or C or D or RHS Grey Brown 199A).         -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Approximately 40             stamens per flower.         -   Anthers.—Generally. — Medium in length. Color. — Orange             yellow color (RHS Yellow Orange 16 A to B) or red to red             orange color (RHS Greyed Purple Group 178 A). The color may             evolve with maturity to turn in a yellow color.         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C) which may             evolve with maturity. The present variety is considered             auto-fertile (self-pollinating).         -   Filaments.—Size. — Medium length, between 9.0 and 18.0             millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally higher             to the pistil's length.         -   Color.—Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple             62 C to D or RHS Red Purple 73 A to B). The color becomes             darker during the blooming.         -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually 1. Generally. — Average in size.             Length. — Approximately 16.0 millimeters including the             ovary. Generally equal to stamen length, if not slightly             smaller. Color. — Considered a very pale green (RHS Yellow             Green 150 D or RHS Yellow Green Group 151 D). The color             evolves during the blooming. Surface texture. — Glabrous. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm in ripe conditions             (shipping ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 5, 2009.         -   Date of last picking.—The date of harvest varies slightly             with the prevailing climatic conditions. The ‘NECTABINGO’             variety has a medium date of picking, and a grouped             maturity. The maturity is grouped within 9 to 14 days and             the harvest is generally performed in two runs. Last known             picking times carry on Jul. 5 to Jul. 15, 2009, Jul. 15 to             Jul. 24, 2010, then Jun. 25 to Jul. 8, 2011 and Jul. 16 to             Jul. 26, 2012.         -   Size.—Generally. — Homogeneous in size.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 67.0 to 71.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 68.0 to 71.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Generally about 175.0 to 200.0 grams. This             characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally. — Round. The fruit is generally             uniform in symmetry, viewed from the suture's plane.         -   Fruit suture.—Wide-mouthed and slightly marked, extending             from the base to the apex. No apparent callousing or             stitching exists along the suture line. Not pointed.         -   Suture.—Color. — The suture has generally a similar color to             the whole fruit color, a luminous purple red (RHS Greyed             Purple 187 A).         -   Ventral surface.—Form. — Smooth.         -   Apex.—Non-prominent, generally slightly depressed.         -   Base.—Semi-flared, shallow.         -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about 8.0             to 10.0 millimeters. Average width is about 12.0 to 16.0             millimeters.         -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered very thick and strong,             and the adherence of skin to flesh is strong to medium,             depending on the fruit maturity. Texture. — Glabrous. Taste.             — Semi-sweet, aromatic, with a high level of sugars.             Tendency to crack. — None observed.         -   Color.—Blush color. — This blush color is a luminous and             homogenous purple red (RHS Greyed Purple 187 A). The red             blush covers 90% to 95% of the fruit skin surface on an             orange red background (RHS Orange Red N34 A). The percentage             of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is             generally dependant upon the prevailing conditions under             which the fruit was grown. Ground color. — The ground color             covers approximately 5% of the fruit skin surface, and is             considered orange red (RHS Orange Red N 34 A).         -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 8.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145A to 145 B).         -   Flesh.—Ripens. — Very homogenously, slowly. The flesh has a             long shelf life. Texture. — Very firm, very dense, crunchy,             melting, juicy at harvest maturity stage. Fibers. — Not             fibrous. Aroma. — Pronounced. Eating quality. — Considered             very good and aromatic. Flavor. — Considered semi-sweet and             very aromatic. The Brix is generally superior to 10 and             acidity comprised between 6 and 9 meq/100 ml. Juice. — Very             juicy at complete maturity. Brix. — Generally 10.0 to 11.0             degrees. This characteristic varies slightly with the number             of fruit per tree; prevailing cultural practices; and the             surrounding climatic conditions. Flesh color. — Orange             yellow flesh (RHS Yellow Orange 16 B to C) usually without             any pigmentation. Sometimes, as shown in FIG. 2, the color             of the flesh may show a slight reddish pigmentation. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone, more or less adherent depending on the             fruit maturity.         -   Size.—Considered medium to large for the variety. The stone             size varies significantly depending upon the tree vigor,             crop load and prevailing growing conditions.         -   Length.—Approximately 31.0 to 33 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 22.0 to 24.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 16.0 to 18.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Elliptic.         -   Base.—Round to slightly oblique.         -   Apex.—Shape. — The stone apex is short, pointed.         -   Stone cavity.—Considered medium to large size, with an             ovate-form and dimensions corresponding to the stone's             dimensions.         -   Stone surface.—Surface texture. — The pit is transversely             furrowed on its entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced             toward the apex. The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief             is prominent generally and present basally. Ridges. — The             surface texture is generally characterized by more prominent             ridges along the ventral edges and is more prominent at the             apical tip.         -   Ventral edge.—Width. — Considered small to medium, and             having a dimension of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters             at mid-suture.         -   Dorsal edge.—Shape. — Grooved.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally             considered light orange brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 B or             RHS Greyed Orange 165 B).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is very low or absent,             depending on climatic conditions between blooming period and             stone hardening.         -   Kernel.—Size. — The kernel is considered medium. Length. —             Approximately 18.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately 11.0             millimeters. Thickness. — Approximately 4.0 millimeters.             Form. — Considered oblate and elliptic. Pellicle. — The             pellicle of the kernel has a short pubescence. Color. — The             kernel skin is a orange-brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 A or             RHS Greyed Orange N167 B). The almond, which is the seed of             the kernel, is white (RHS White 155 D) and has a bitter             tasting. The kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of             fruit maturity.         -   Use.—The subject variety ‘NECTABINGO’ is considered to be a             nectarine tree of the medium season of maturity, and which             produces fruits that are considered firm, attractively             colored with a very luminous purple red. Fruits have a             semi-sweet taste and are excellent for uncooked consumption,             crunchy or melting when at full maturity. Fruits have             excellent gustative qualities. Due to their flesh quality,             firmness and density, they can also be commercialized as             4^(th) range product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for             example). And they are also useful for both local and very             long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Remarkable. Fruit have a slow maturation             and a long shelf life both on the tree after growth             completion and after harvesting without alteration. After             growth completion, fruits are preserved more than one week.             After harvest, fruits are well preserved more than 4 weeks             at 2.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. The fruit of the new             yellow nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the             flesh or skin damage after being subjected to normal             harvesting and packing procedures. Its resistance to             handling during harvest and packing and its long shelf life             without alteration after harvest easily permit 3 to 4             weeks-shipping at 2 degrees Celsius.         -   Resistance to disease.—No particular susceptibilities were             noted. The present variety is not very sensitive to powdery             mildew and Monilia, or conservation diseases and decay due             to its thick and strong skin. Although the new variety of             nectarine tree possesses the described characteristics when             grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Elne,             Pyrénées-Orientales department, France, it should be             understood that variations of the usual magnitude and             characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,             fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural             management are to be expected. 

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of yellow nectarine tree as illustrated and described, characterized by fruits with high eating quality and very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, with a semi-sweet orange yellow flesh, without any pigmentation, and an attractive luminous and homogenous skin with a very high percentage of red blush on skin surface. 